Genoa Township is seeking the recovery of legal fees in its ongoing litigation with a religious school. Livingston Christian Schools filed suit against Genoa Township in U.S. District Court in Detroit for its refusal to grant a special use permit that would have allowed the school to relocate to the Brighton Church of the Nazarene. The board voted 4-3 last year to deny the permit based on traffic concerns, the schoolâs failure to follow the proper approval process and incompatibility with the township master plan. That led to an outcry from officials and parents from both LCA and Light of the World Academy, a formerly private religious-based Montessori school that obtained authorization to re-open as a public charter school. The academy planned to move into the old LCS facility once that school moved to Brighton Church of the Nazarene. The LCS lawsuit claimed the denial violated their rights under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act, but U.S. District Court Judge George Caram Steeh ruled last month that the claims had no merit and granted the townshipâs motion for dismissal. The school is now appealing in the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati, with a mediation conference set for August 17th. In his order dismissing the lawsuit, Judge Steeh noted that when Genoa Township denied the Churchâs permit application, Livingston Christian Schools had not yet leased its Pinckney property and could have used that facility as an alternate location and that the school, ââ¦has not established a substantial burden on its free exercise of religion.â On Thursday, Genoa Township filed a motion in U.S. District Court in Detroit seeking repayment of more than $80,000 in legal fees incurred fighting the lawsuit, citing the initial ruling by Judge Steeh that the suit had no merit and was unlikely to succeed. The motion furthermore called the schoolâs claims, ââ¦frivolous, unreasonable and groundlessâ and alleged the school had contradicted itself by originally claiming the move to Brighton was necessitated by growing enrollment that required a larger space, but then later said the move was necessitated by âfinancial challengesâ and the new location was needed to spur enrollment growth. The township called that, ââ¦a proverbial âHail Maryâ passâ to keep the schoolâs case alive in court. (JM/JK)
Genoa Township Files Motion To Recoup Attorney Fees From LawsuitGenoa Township Files Motion To Recoup Attorney Fees From Lawsuit
↧
↧
IRS Phone Scam Circulating Throughout Livingston County IRS Phone Scam Circulating Throughout Livingston County
Tax season may be over but an IRS phone scam targeting senior citizens is not. The Livingston County Sheriffâs Department has been taking increasing reports from citizens receiving threatening IRS calls. Messages state the call is an official and final notice from the IRS to inform the caller that the IRS is filing a lawsuit against them. The person is then instructed to immediately call a number to get more information about the case. Sheriff Bob Bezotte and his daughter have both received calls within the last month. While many are familiar with the scam, he says itâs the senior citizens who think itâs legitimate that they worry about. Bezotte tells WHMI itâs amazing how many people actually send money thinking theyâre in trouble. With the scam picking up, he says they want to alert the community itâs circulating again as the scammers will often try to take advantage of senior citizens. Bezotte says they continually try to notify the public that these are not official phone calls but a scam to try to get someone send money, stressing the IRS will not make threats over the phone. He says the scam phone numbers typically trace to multiple states and then overseas so there is really no way to ever recoup money once itâs sent. Anyone who receives the IRS scam calls is encouraged to report it to their local police agency. Bezotte also advises telling relatives and friends whatâs going on to help protect loved ones and the elderly from sending money and losing it. (JM)
↧
Overnight Ramp Closure At I-96 & US-23 Interchange Overnight Ramp Closure At I-96 & US-23 Interchange
Motorists are being advised of a ramp closure at the I-96 & US-23 interchange in Brighton. The Michigan Department of Transportation says the eastbound I-96 ramp to northbound US-23 will be closed for a traffic shift starting at 10pm tonight, lasting through 5am Saturday. The posted detour will be eastbound I-96 to Kensington Road to westbound I-96 to northbound US-23. Meanwhile for anyone traveling in the Ann Arbor area, a construction project starts Monday on Main Street. M-DOT says work is set to begin on the US-23 Business Route (Main Street) in downtown Ann Arbor. One lane will be closed in each direction during construction, which is expected to wrap up by Labor Day. However, M-DOT advises there will be no lane closures during holiday weekends or during University of Michigan home football games. (JM)
↧
Hamburg Fire Says Millage Increase Will Improve Response Times & StaffingHamburg Fire Says Millage Increase Will Improve Response Times & Staffing
One local fire department is asking for a slight increase in their millage to help improve daily operations and service to the community. The Hamburg Township Fire Department is asking residents for a .14 mill increase at this Tuesdayâs primary elections. The previous millage was set at 1.61 ten years ago, with .61 going towards paying off building debt. Now with the building paid off, the department can focus their efforts on improving equipment and services available to the community. Fire Chief Mark Hogrebe told WHMI that the new 1.75 millage will improve their first response ability by 3 minutes. Hogrebe said the time saved could potentially result in a life saved under conditions like a heart attack or fire. One of the key factors in reducing the response time will be their ability to staff the fire station 24/7, rather than always depending upon on-call firefighters. The chief praised the department for taking good care of the vehicles and equipment, but admitted that some of it is aging and will need to be replaced or repaired, in due time. Hamburg Fire doesnât carry any equipment debt and they would like to be able to continue to operate without needing to take out loans. The increase in millage will equate to around $14 per year for 10 years to the average township resident. More information on the department and millage request can be found on the Friends of Hamburg Firefighters Facebook page (link is below), or by emailing FriendsofHTFD@gmail.com. In addition, a presentation by Chief Hogrebe made before a candidate forum is being rebroadcast on Channel 191 on Charter Spectrum Network through August 2nd at 12:04am and 7:20pm. (MK)
↧
Hartland Crash & Fire Kills One, Leaves Other Driver CriticalHartland Crash & Fire Kills One, Leaves Other Driver Critical
One man is dead and another hospitalized after a crash and fire early this morning in Hartland Township. State Police from the Brighton Post say that at approximately 5:45am, troopers were dispatched to a three-vehicle crash on Clyde Road near Cullen Road. Their investigation indicates that a Chevy Impala was traveling west on Clyde Road followed by a Chevy pick up truck, when a Ford Explorer traveling east collided with the Impala. Emergency crews arrived on scene and discovered the pickup engulfed in flames. The driver of that vehicle was a 41 year male who was pronounced dead at the scene. He was not identified. The 28 year old male driver of the Explorer was transported to the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor and listed in critical condition. The 25 year old male driver of the Impala had minor injuries on scene. Police say it is unknown if drugs or alcohol were involved in the accident, which remains under investigation. No information of the drivers involved is being released at this time pending notification of family. (JK)
↧
↧
"Meteors And S'mores" Will Return To Brighton State Park"Meteors And S'mores" Will Return To Brighton State Park
A state park located in Livingston County will host an evening of stargazing and sâmores next month. Each year, during the second week of August, the Perseid Meteor Shower occurs and is visible to the naked eye. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will host âMeteors & Sâmoresâ events at 22 state parks August 10th through the 13th to celebrate the phenomenon. The Island Lake Recreation Area in Brighton is among the participating parks and will hold their event on Saturday, August 13th, from 8 to 11pm at the Spring Mill Pond Beach. The Ford Amateur Astronomy Club will give presentations and views of the night sky through high-powered telescopes. Visitors and campers are encouraged to bring blankets, seating, bug spray and snacks and enjoy a night of stargazing. The event will include complimentary sâmores and campfires. A recreation passport is required for vehicles entering the state park and can be obtained at the park entrance booth. You can find additional information about the event at the link below. (DK)
↧
Unemployment Rises Slightly In Livingston CountyUnemployment Rises Slightly In Livingston County
June unemployment rates rose in many of Michiganâs regional labor markets, including Livingston County. Livingston Countyâs June unemployment rate stood at 5.8% - an increase from 4.9% in May. Livingstonâs ranking also dropped from 10th to 26th place among Michiganâs 83 counties ranked by unemployment rates. Officials with the Bureau of Labor Market Information & Strategic Initiatives say Michiganâs local labor markets in June were dominated by typical seasonal changes, which contributes heavily to jobless rates. Though summer hiring rose in some fields, those gains were offset by job cuts in state and local government education. On a positive note, jobless rates have declined compared to last yearâs numbers. In the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn statistical area, which includes Livingston County, the unemployment rate has dropped since June of 2015, which was at 6.6%. (DK)
↧
Suspect Who Claimed Racism In Howell Retail Fraud Incident Headed To TrialSuspect Who Claimed Racism In Howell Retail Fraud Incident Headed To Trial
A Lansing man who authorities say was involved in retail fraud, fled from police and claimed his race was targeted in the incident is headed to trial. 19-year-old Kaylyn Williams was bound over to Livingston County Circuit Court on Wednesday on two counts of resisting/obstructing a police officer and one count of second degree retail fraud. Williams is one of four suspects in the July 15th incident that began at the Tanger Outlet Center in Howell Township. The Livingston County Sheriffâs Department was called by a clothing retailer about four individuals placing high priced items at or near the door. When a deputy pulled up, all four left the store, got into a nearby car and drove off before being pulled over just outside the mall entrance. Two of the suspects, who are black, are alleged to have exited the car and started making racial statements, while Williams put his hand in his waistband and acted as though he had a weapon. He and the other suspect then fled across I-96 before eventually being surrounded and taken into custody. It was then learned that Williams had multiple outstanding felony warrants from Ingham County. The back seat passengers â 20-year-old Zachery Winner of Haslett and a juvenile female - obeyed commands and stayed in the vehicle, which was searched and found to contain a stolen 9mm semi-automatic handgun, marijuana and alcohol. Sheriff Bob Bezotte says the mother of one of the juveniles accused police of arresting her son because heâs black, although he had just been released from juvenile detention. Bezotte says the suspects indicated they were aware of what has been happening across the nation and immediately starting throwing out accusations of race and abuse. He says the incident was never about race but four individuals committing felonies. Future court dates have not been set for Williams at this time. Winner, who is charged with carrying concealed weapons, second degree retail fraud and possession of marijuana, is due back in court for an examination August 3rd. Court records indicate that the other two suspects have yet to be charged. (DK/JK)
↧
Howell Public Schools Hires Two New PrincipalsHowell Public Schools Hires Two New Principals
One local district continues to fill administrative vacancies with two new elementary principals. There were 54 people who applied to fill the principal positions at both Hutchings and Northwest Elementary Schools in Howell. The Board of Education recently agreed to fill the vacancies after interviews in mid-July. Only one of the two had already been a part of the district. Craig Munro takes over as principal of Northwest Elementary. He says he's been part of the Howell Public Schools for the last 11 years and wants to keep the great tradition of Northwest Elementary. He says the staff there really cares for the students and he will keep building on that as well as building relationships among the adults to try to make it a great place to work and learn. He says one of his beliefs is that if there are strong relationships among the staff it will help the students in the long run, so that is his main goal. Munro has spent a number of years working in Howell as the Assistant Principal of Howell High School, Dean of Students and most recently Assistant Principal of Parker Middle School. Tim Moore left a position at Hardy Elementary in South Lyon; a Kindergarten through 5th grade school that also caters to special needs education. He is set to take the top spot at Hutchings Elementary. Moore says he looks forward to working in the district, getting to know the students and staff. He says along with teaching in the elementary classroom he is also the director of the Junior Jags soccer organization. He says as part of that organization he helps manage 1,200 young people across southeast Lower Michigan. (DS)
↧
↧
Emergency Preparedness To Be Texted Next WeekEmergency Preparedness To Be Texted Next Week
A local high school will be the scene of a mock emergency drill held by the Livingston County Department of Public Health. There is no indication of what the emergency situation will be until the August 4th event, but there could be several hundred âvictims,â of a Simulated Emergency Response Exercise. The test exercise to see how well emergency services can be provided to residents in case of a real emergency will be held at Fowlerville High School. Health Promotion Coordinator for DPH, Chelsea Moxlow says the event is designed to test the skills of emergency workers. She says DPH makes it a practice to regularly exercise all of their emergency preparedness plans, so this exercise is designed to test their approach to a point of dispensing or POD, which means that they are trying to get as many residents as possible, medications that they would need in the event of a public health emergency. She says they need to be able to do that within 48 hours, so this exercise is designed to test the different procedures that go into an operation of that sort. Moxlow says the exercise involves not only local EMS, police, fire and health officials, but public health departments from other counties. She says the local Community Emergency Response Team or CERT will also participate. Moxlow says the event is a test of the countyâs emergency response to a biologic agent in a neighboring county, and how quickly medications can be dispensed to a large number of people. She says currently there are over 150 volunteer victims, and there is room for more. Moxlow says once the event is over emergency management will review what happened that went well and what improvements can be made. To sign-up as a volunteer contact the Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Ray Porter at (517) 546-9850. (DS)
↧
Howell Art Project Returning August 10thHowell Art Project Returning August 10th
Local art lovers are encouraged to take a walk through downtown Howell next month as a popular fundraising event returns. The Howell Art Project returns for the second year of its current incarnation on Wednesday, August 10th. The Howell Main Street and Downtown Development Authority accepted over 1,000 submissions this year with the community voting for the 8 pieces that will be displayed on buildings across the city. One work will be chosen as the grand prize winner, awarding the artist a prize of $1,000. A walking tour of the finalists will kick off the evening ending at the Opera House where a fundraiser supporting the DDA will take place. New to the Art Project this year will be displays by Howell and county-wide florists with pieces that compliment or mirror the submitted artwork. At the eveningâs auction, spectators will be able to bid on all the art and floral works from the event as well as many other prize packages. There will be wine tasting experiences, festival tickets, and getaways to areas around Michigan and the globe up for bids. All proceeds will go to next yearâs Art Project. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 day-of, and tables of 10 are also available for $180. Edgerly said that as of Wednesday night, they had sold 90 of the 200 tickets available and that she expects it to be close to selling out like last year. For more information, to purchase tickets, or sign up to be a sponsor, click on the Howell Art Project link at www.downtownhowell.org. (MK)
↧
Additional Volunteers Needed For United Way's Annual Day of Caring Additional Volunteers Needed For United Way's Annual Day of Caring
Some extra helping hands are being sought for Livingston Countyâs largest, one day volunteer community service event. The Livingston County United Wayâs 15th annual Day of Caring will take place on Wednesday, August 17th. Officials say all volunteers have been matched with worksites but there are still quite a few worksites that need âall hands on deckâ. Although at capacity for worksites, The United Way is looking for individuals, or teams of 2-4 adults, that are willing to help senior citizens. Projects involve inside cleaning, food deliveries, yardwork or smaller maintenance projects. Volunteers are needed for both the morning shift (8:30-Noon) and afternoon shift (1-4:30), although the greatest need is in the afternoon. Anyone looking to help out and volunteer can sign up online through the link below or contact the Livingston County United Way. (JM)
↧
State Supreme Court Won't Hear Man's Appeal In Local Assault Case State Supreme Court Won't Hear Man's Appeal In Local Assault Case
The stateâs highest court will not hear an appeal filed by a Florida man who tried to strangle a woman on New Yearâs Day in Livingston County. The Michigan Supreme Court issued an order denying 43-year-old Billie Gene Toblerâs appeal application, saying it was not persuaded the question presented should be reviewed by the court. Tobler was ordered to serve 9 to 30 years in prison after pleading no contest to assault by strangulation. He was sentenced as a 4th time habitual offender in Livingston County Circuit Court last September but appealed to the Michigan Court of Appeals, which ultimately denied a delayed application for lack of merit in the grounds presented. Tobler then appealed to the stateâs highest court. Police say Tobler twice choked a female companion while they were visiting her friend in Brighton on January 1st of 2015. After they left, the victim said Tobler continued the argument and when she tried to get out of the vehicle, he grabbed her hair and prevented her from getting out. She eventually convinced Tobler to stop at a store so she could use the restroom, where she contacted authorities. He was originally charged with unlawful imprisonment and assault by strangulation. The unlawful imprisonment charge was dismissed in February but then prosecutors added a new felony charge of interfering with a witness against Tobler based on allegations that, while in jail, he contacted the victim and made statements that were intended to interfere with her potential testimony. But that charge was also dropped in exchange for the no contest plea, which is not a legal admission of guilt but is treated as such at sentencing. Tobler remains incarcerated at the Saginaw Correctional Facility. His earliest date for potential release is December 31st of 2023. (JM)
↧
↧
LESA Gears Up For Annual Backpacks For Kids HandoutLESA Gears Up For Annual Backpacks For Kids Handout
The Livingston Education Service Agencyâs yearly Backpacks for Kids campaign is fast approaching and collection events have been scheduled to support the program. The âStuff the Busâ event collects school supplies and backpacks for children of families facing financial difficulties in Livingston County. This Friday, August 5th, the LESA bus will be parked at the Howell Wal-Mart from 10am to 2pm. Shoppers and anyone wishing to donate to the campaign to fill backpacks for kids can drop items off at that time. LESA has also partnered with the Five Below store, located at the Green Oak Village Place Mall, for a fundraiser August 5th through the 7th. During that weekend, 10% of every dollar spent will be donated to the backpack program. Great Start Livingston coordinator Robin Schutz says shoppers interested in contributing through Five Below need to have a flier to turn in at the time of the purchase for the donation to be made. That can be found at Livingstonesa.org. The fundraisers both lead up to the main event on August 18th, when the filled backpacks will be distributed to the kids at the LESA Education Center. Schutz tells WHMI there is a lot that goes into making this event a success, but seeing the recipientsâ reaction makes it all worth it. Last year, approximately $20,000 in supplies and monetary donations were made which helped distribute over 1,000 backpacks to students. Schutz says LESAâs goal this year is to hand out over 1,500 backpacks. More collection events, wish lists and other information about the Backpacks for Kids campaign can be found at the link below or call the backpack hotline at 517-540-6833. (DK)
↧
Chem-Trend Granted Tax Abatement For Expansion Project In Howell Chem-Trend Granted Tax Abatement For Expansion Project In Howell
A tax abatement has been approved for a Howell-based company planning an expansion for research and development activities. The Howell City Council recently approved a 12-year tax abatement for Chem-Trend, a global chemical manufacturer. Chem-Trendâs worldwide headquarters and North American region headquarters are located on McPherson Park Drive in Howell. The company continues to experience growth and will be constructing an addition and state of the art lab at the current facility. City Manager Shea Charles tells WHMI Chem-Trend is investing almost $10 (m) million between real and personal property, noting the council only did the abatement on the real property side. He further noted the job creation tied to the 10,000-square-foot expansion, saying itâs a company that started in Howell and theyâre excited to see them grow and expand within the community. An Ann Arbor Spark representative was at the meeting and noted the high quality, high paying jobs being created with the project, saying those are the types they want to encourage in Livingston County. The abatement translates to a loss of roughly $11,000 for the city, which has a set of scoring criteria for tax abatement requests. However, the city will still realize some tax revenue as it is a 50% abatement. (JM)
↧
Chelsea Commemorates World War I CentennialChelsea Commemorates World War I Centennial
Chelsea is commemorating the centennial of World War I with artifacts and public banners, including many displayed on Main Street. The Chelsea District Library kicked off the exhibit Saturday with a ribbon-cutting and tours. Keegan Sulecki, head of adult services at the library, says there will be monthly events related to the exhibit, which runs into November. Later this month there will be a talk about the "Hello Girls," women who served as telephone operators during World War I. Residents in the Chelsea area have been encouraged to share any artifacts from family members who served in the war, especially photos and letters. Sulecki says the library organized similar events for World War II, the Vietnam War and the Korean War. (AP)
↧
Hartland Township Planning Commission Reapproves Vet Site PlanHartland Township Planning Commission Reapproves Vet Site Plan
The owners of a local animal hospital are making progress toward opening a new office in Hartland Township. Doctors Kristine and Kurt Gerster own Towne and Country Animal Hospital on Old US 23 in Brighton and have been trying for two years to expand their operation. The veterinarians had received approval from the Township Planning Commission and Board of Commissioners in 2014, but their architect let the site plan expire. Last week the architect, Kevin Hart, asked the Planning Commission for a new approval. He says previous plans will remain the same and includes a 5,500 square foot single story building constructed primarily out of recycled materials. The delay he says was because he needed to come up with a solution to a problem with drainage. Hart says the new building will be open regular business hours and will be located on a street called Product Drive. He says the street was half-constructed and will be extended to become the parking lot. Hart says this is an extension of the couple's other business located on Old US-23 in Brighton Township, and will hold regular business hours rather than be a 24 hour operation. He says they think there is a need in the community so they're hoping to serve Hartland Township and areas north of there. Hart says it's a great location and they think it will be really easy and convenient for people to get there during the day. Hart says making sure the water issue was resolved as well as making the building as âgreenâ as possible is typical of the Gersters. He says they are very environmentally conscious and want to make sure the water run off doesnât tax the township or county drain system. Hart says he doesnât know when the new office will be opened, but they are working with construction management to get started. (DS)
↧
↧
Brighton Millpond Gathering Will Show Public Support For Local Law EnforcementBrighton Millpond Gathering Will Show Public Support For Local Law Enforcement
An event later this month in Brighton will seek to show community support for local law enforcement. The Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce has organized a âPrayer at the Pondâ for Thursday, August 11th from 5:30-6:30pm at the Mill Pond Gazebo. Chaplain Scott Sage of the Brighton City Police Department will preside over the event, which follows recent incidents in Dallas and Baton Rouge in which eight officers were killed after being deliberately targeted. In the aftermath of those tragedies, several local departments have reported members of the public spontaneously dropping off thank-you cards, food and flowers. Livingston County Undersheriff Mike Murphy says that, âThese kind words, mean more than you will ever knowâ and that while there are some âbad applesâ they in the âLaw Enforcement world have been turned into the bad guysâ and that âThis went on while the silent majority just shook their heads and didn't buy into the media portrayal.â Details about the âPrayer at the Pondâ are being handled by Brighton Chamber Executive Director Pam McConeghy. She can be contacted at 1-810-227-5086 or by email at pamm@brightoncoc.org (JK)
↧
Senior Power Day This Friday In Pinckney Senior Power Day This Friday In Pinckney
Local senior citizens have an event all their own approaching. The Livingston County Consortium on Aging is hosting the 29th annual Senior Power Day from 9am to 3pm this Friday at Pinckney High School featuring entertainment, information, food and prizes. The consortium is a non-profit collaborative group representing public agencies, private businesses and individuals interested in addressing the needs of the countyâs aging citizens. Jadwiga Reffitt with St. Joseph Mercy Home Care and Hospice says this yearâs theme is âyouâre never too old for fun and gamesâ and 57 vendors for seniors will be on site. Reffitt tells WHMI itâs an important event and a good way for seniors to connect with the community but also access so many resources in one place. Free transportation to and from the event will be provided, along with document shredding and a Big Red Barrel for medication disposal. Organizers are encouraging anyone attending to pre-register through their local senior center for lunch, which will be provided by Livingston County Senior Nutrition, better known as Meals on Wheels. Complete details can be found through the link below. Photo: Livingston COA. (JM)
↧
Marion Township Road Project Accepted Despite Conflicting Votes From ResidentsMarion Township Road Project Accepted Despite Conflicting Votes From Residents
A small road repair project with a big price tag is moving forward in Marion Township. A public hearing was held Thursday so the Townshipâs Board of Trustees could receive feedback from residents regarding the Special Assessment District and costs involved to repair the one-mile stretch of Rurik Drive. Attendees were presented with several options for fixing the road and the varying total cost. In a prior meeting, Senior Project Manager Phil Westmoreland originally gave a very rough estimate of $75,000 for pavement patching and a double chip seal over the entire road. The project went out to bid publicly and only received one offer in return. Additionally, the contractorâs bid came in at just over $129,500- higher than what was expected by almost $55,000. Westmoreland believes increasing labor costs, seasonal deadlines and a lack of companies that perform chip seal are a few of the factors behind the price hike. The new price didnât sit well with some of the homeowners and 12 letters were filed in objection to accepting the bid. Some residents wanted to wait and let the project to bid in a year in hopes of receiving more bidders with lower costs, but the majority seemed to feel that wasnât likely to happen. Ultimately the decision came down to the Board of Trustees, who unanimously voted to accept the bid and move forward with the project. The project is not to exceed $150,000 and Rurik Drive residents will pay back the SAD funded by the township over the course of five years. Westmoreland expects the project will get underway by the end of August or beginning of September and wrap up within three weeks. (DK)
↧
More Pages to Explore .....
